Andersonville in Macon County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Star Fort

By Brandon Fletcher, November 8, 2008

1. Star Fort Marker

Inscription.

Star Fort. . . Within this stronghold stood the offices of the post commander and the prison commandant. Fort and headquarters were symbols of power, but the fully enclosed earthworks also reflect the authorities' besieged state of mind. Hampered by supply shortages and a constant influx of new prisoners, Confederates here were responsible for operating a prison camp under conditions they could hardly control. . . Four of the Star Fort's guns were trained outward to repel Union cavalry raids. The other five cannon were aimed toward the north slope of the prison camp. . . (top right) . Before erosion rounded the walls, these earthworks were angled to give defenders overlapping fields of fire. . . Star Fort was part of a system of defense. Look for other earthworks and entrenchments around the prison tour road.

Within this stronghold stood the offices of the post commander and the prison commandant. Fort and headquarters were symbols of power, but the fully enclosed earthworks also reflect the authorities' besieged state of mind. Hampered by supply shortages and a constant influx of new prisoners, Confederates here were responsible for operating a prison camp under conditions they could hardly control.

Four of the Star Fort's guns were trained outward to repel Union cavalry raids. The other five cannon were aimed toward the north slope of the prison camp.

(top right)
Before erosion rounded the walls, these earthworks were angled to give defenders overlapping fields of fire.

Star Fort was part of a system of defense. Look for other earthworks and entrenchments around the prison tour road.

Erected by National Park Service.

Location. 32° 11.533′ N, 84° 7.919′ W. Marker is in Andersonville, Georgia, in Macon County. Marker is on Prison Site Road 0.2 miles south of Pecan Lane, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Andersonville GA 31711, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Prison Hospital (within shouting

Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2018. This page originally submitted on October 1, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 415 times since then. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 1, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 6. submitted on January 24, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico. 7, 8. submitted on October 1, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

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